Image output control apparatus

ABSTRACT

An image output control apparatus includes a recognition unit for recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a reading unit for reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and a generation unit for performing image generation for output by selectively reading necessary image data from the information recording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an image output control method andapparatus which can obtain a desired reproduced image using image datarecorded in an information storage medium, such as a floppy disk, a cardmemory or the like, and which can edit data of the information recordingmedium, to a recording medium recording an image data file, and to arecording medium storing an image output control program.

2. Description of the Related Art

There is an extra-print service of photographs as a conventional generalmethod for reproducing image data possessed by the customer. In theextra-print service of photographs, the customer brings in asemitransparent negative cover (negative holder) having a developed filmaccommodated thereon to a development laboratory or the like by writingthe number of extra prints of each image, or marks. The developmentlaboratory provides extra prints of a desired image to be reproduced(printed) by specifying the image. Recently, a photo CD (compact disk)system in which an image on a film is read, read image data is writtenin a CD-ROM (read-only memory), and the image data is read from theCD-ROM and is reproduced/displayed on an image display device is beingutilized. In the photo CD system, a computer system reads image datarecorded in a CD-ROM, and outputs the read image data using ahigh-picture-quality printer to provide a print image. Since thehigh-picture-quality printer is too expensive to be possessed by thecustomer, a print image is generally obtained by asking a developmentlaboratory or the like to perform a print service. When asking a printservice, the customer generally gives a CD-ROM, and a memo containinginformation for specifying image data recorded in the CD-ROM (such asthe number of the corresponding image confirmed on an index print or thelike).

In accordance with improvement in the computer technology, diffusion ofpersonal computers, and diffusion of image input devices, such asdigital cameras and the like, the user can easily deal withhigh-definition digital image data. Such image data is recorded in apredetermined information recording medium in one of various kinds ofimage filing formats, such as TIFF, PICT₁ JPEG (Joint PhotographicExperts Group), RAW and the like, and is usually output from a printerconnected to a computer owned by the user. However, the printer owned bythe user cannot, in some cases, provide a satisfactory print. In orderto solve such a problem, a print service which can output/reproduceimage data recorded in an information recording medium in theabove-described manner using a high-performance printer is available ata development laboratory, a photo studio, a DPE shop or apersonal-computer shop. In order to obtain such a service, the customermust ask a print-service shop to provide prints by giving image data.Recently, it is possible to ask prints by transmitting image data via acommunication network. However, a print service is usually performed byproviding a print-service shop with an information recording mediumwhere image data is recorded.

When the customer asks a print service of image data recorded in aninformation recording medium in the above-described manner, the customermust assign a desired image from among image data recorded in theinformation recording medium. For that purpose, the customer mustprovide a print-service shop with a memo or the like describing thenumber or the name of the image. The print service shop must provide aprint of the image by selecting the desired image from among the imagedata recorded in the information recording medium based on the number orthe name of the image described in the memo or the like by performing amanual operation.

In general, a computer system for performing the above-described printservice requires a complicated operation. Accordingly, it is not easyfor an ordinary shop worker to provide a print by selecting an image tobe printed. In addition, since it is necessary to select a desired imagefrom among image data recorded in an information recording medium, amanpower is required for providing a print, thereby increasing a timeperiod for providing the print.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to solve the above-describedproblems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an image filingmethod and an image reproducing method in which a print of a desiredimage can be promptly obtained by automatically specifying the imagefrom among images recorded in an information recording medium.

In an improvement of the invention, there is the problem that, sinceimage reproduction is performed by automatically selecting image data tobe reproduced using image-reproduction instruction data recorded in aninformation recording medium, the image to be reproduced cannot beconfirmed before reproducing the image without providing some means.

In an example of such means, the image-reproduction instruction datarecorded in the information recording medium is checked using anapparatus capable of accessing the information recording medium.However, this method is troublesome because exchange of the informationrecording medium is required.

Another problem is that, when the total number of printsreproduced/output in accordance with image-reproduction instruction dataexceeds the number outputtable in the system or the apparatus, printoutput cannot be performed in the midst of an image reproducingoperation, thereby generating a system error or the like.

In another improvement of the invention, aninformation-recording-medium-data editing method in which image data isrecorded or erased, or image-reproduction instruction data is providedor deleted in an information recording medium by accessing it can beconsidered. A system including an image input device, a personalcomputer and the like as well as an information-recording-medium-dataediting unit which adopts this editing method can also be considered. Inthis case, it is possible to record new image data or delete image datawhich becomes unnecessary in the information recording medium, so thatthe capacity and the like of the information recording medium can beeffectively utilized.

However, when editing data in the information recording medium, areproduction error may be produced when reproducing an image unlessattention is paied to processing of recording/deleting image data andprocessing of instructing (selecting/not selecting) image data to bereproduced. For example, when image data recorded in the informationrecording medium and instructed to be reproduced in accordance withimage-reproduction instruction data is deleted from the image recordingmedium because of some reason, and processing of disablingimage-reproduction instruction data for the deleted data is notperformed, image data instructed to be reproduced is not actuallypresent in the information recording medium, and an image reproducingoperation is terminated as an error. This indicates that the imagereproducing operation is terminated in a state of abnormality whenautomatically performing image reproduction, resulting in a fataloperational error.

The present invention provides techniques having the following features.

In an image filing method for recording image data in an informationrecording medium, the image data and image-reproduction instruction datainstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced arerecorded in the information recording medium.

A method for reproducing image data recorded in an information recordingmedium includes data reading means for reading recorded data, such asimage data, image-reproduction instruction data and the like, recordedin the information recording medium, means for selectively reading theimage-reproduction instruction data from among the recorded data,reproduction-output-data generation processing means for readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data and for outputtingreproduction output data for reproduction, and reproducing means forreproducing the reproduction output data.

According to the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, image data, and image-reproduction instructiondata instructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced arerecorded in the information recording medium. The image-reproductioninstruction data is selectively read from the recorded data recorded inthe information recording medium, necessary image data is selectivelyread from the information recording medium in accordance with the readimage-reproduction instruction data, and processing of generatingreproduction output data is performed to reproduce desired image data.

According to one aspect, the present invention which achieves theseobjectives relates to a memory medium for storing image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced so that the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data.

According to another aspect, the present invention which achieves theseobjectives relates to an image output control method including afunction of recognizing mounting of a recording medium, a readingfunction of reading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in therecording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, and ageneration function of performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingrecognition means for recognizing mounting of a recording medium,reading means for reading image-reproduction instruction data recordedin the recording medium based on the recognition of the mounting, andgeneration means for performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

According to yet another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an output control method including adetermination function of determining mounting of a medium, adiscrimination function of discriminating whether or not an image outputprogram is stored in the medium when the determination function hasdetermined that the medium is mounted, and a control function ofcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program when the discriminationfunction has discriminated that the image output program is stored.

According to yet a further aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an output control apparatus includingdetermination means for determining mounting of a medium, discriminationmeans for discriminating whether or not an image output program isstored in the medium when the determination means has determined thatthe medium is mounted, and control means for controlling output so as toselectively output an image to be output in accordance with the imageoutput program when the discrimination means has discriminated that theimage output program is stored. The control means may have a function ofdetermining whether or not image-reproduction instruction data is storedin the medium. If the result of the determination is affirmative, thecontrol means controls output so as to selectively output image datainstructed by the image-reproduction instruction data. The apparatus mayfurther include control means for controlling output of the image to beoutput in accordance with an output program incorporated within theapparatus when the discrimination means has discriminated that the imageoutput program is not stored in the medium. The control means mayinclude a function of determining whether or not image-reproductioninstruction data is stored in the medium. When the result of thedetermination is affirmative, the control means controls output so as toselectively output image data instructed by the image-reproductioninstruction data based on the output program incorporated within theapparatus.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an output control method including adetermination function of determining whether or not a medium storing animage output program is set, and a control function of controllingoutput so as to selectively output an image to be output in accordancewith the image output program if the result of the determination isaffirmative.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an output control apparatus includingdetermination means for determining whether or not a medium storing animage output program is set, and control means for controlling output soas to selectively output an image to be output in accordance with theimage output program if the result of the determination is affirmative.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to a memory medium including a function ofrecognizing mounting of a recording medium, a reading function ofreading image-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recordingmedium based on the recognition of the mounting, and a generationfunction of performing image generation for output by selectivelyreading necessary image data from the information recording medium inaccordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to a memory medium including a determinationfunction of determining mounting of a medium, a discrimination functionof discriminating whether or not an image output program is stored inthe medium when the determination function has determined that themedium is mounted, and a control function of controlling output so as toselectively output an image to be output in accordance with the imageoutput program when the discrimination function has discriminated thatthe image output program is stored.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to a memory medium including a determinationfunction of determining whether or not a medium storing an image outputprogram is set, and a control function of controlling output so as toselectively output an image to be output in accordance with the imageoutput program if the result of the determination by the determinationfunction is affirmative.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingrecognition means for recognizing mounting of a recording medium whichstores image data and image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced so thatthe the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image for whichimage reproduction is instructed, and that the specified image data canbe selectively output based on the image-reproduction instruction data,reading means for reading the image-reproduction instruction datarecorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of themounting of the recording medium by the recognition means, andgeneration means for performing image generation for output byselectively reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-reproduction instruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingrecognition means for recognizing reception of image data andimage-reproduction instruction data in a format so that the image datacan be selectively output in an output device based on theimage-reproduction instruction data, reading control means for readingthe image-reproduction instruction data based on the recognition ofreception of the image data and the image-reproduction instruction databy the recognition means, and generation control means for selectivelyperforming image generation for output for necessary image data fromamong the image data in accordance with the image-reproductioninstruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingdata reading means for reading recorded data including image data andimage-output instruction data recorded in an information recordingmedium, output-data generation processing means for outputting outputdata for output by reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-output instruction data,output means for outputting the output data, data display means fordisplaying image-output instruction data relating image output, and dataprocessing means for analyzing the image-output instruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingdata reading means for reading recorded data including image data andimage-output instruction data recorded in an information recordingmedium, output-data generation means for outputting output data foroutput by reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the image-output instruction data, outputmeans for outputting the output data, data display means for displayingdata relating to image output, data processing means for analyzing theimage-output instruction data, and means for recognizing a number ofprints currently outputtable by the apparatus.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingmeans for accessing an information recording medium, data reading meansfor reading recorded data including image data and image-outputinstruction data recorded in the information recording medium, anddetermination means for determining whether or not data to instructerasure of image data in the recorded data is present. If thedetermination means has determined that the erasure instruction data ispresent, image-output instruction data corresponding to that image datais erased based on the erasure instruction data.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image output control apparatus includingreading means for reading image-reproduction instruction data forinstructing whether or not image data is to be reproduced recorded in aninformation recording medium storing the image data and theimage-reproduction instruction data so that the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data, generation means forperforming image reproduction for output by reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with the readimage-reproduction instruction data, and skip means for skipping anoperation of outputting an image corresponding to image data for whichthe image-reproduction instruction data is provided when that image datais absent in the information recording medium.

According to still another aspect, the present invention which achievesthese objectives relates to an image input control apparatus includinginput control means for inputting image data, and recording controlmeans for recording image data corresponding to image-reproductioninstruction data for instructing whether or not image data is to bereproduced, based on a format provided so that image-reproductioninstruction data specifies image data for which image reproduction isinstructed.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will become more apparent from the following description ofthe preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing recordedimages in an information recording medium according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction in the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imagereproduction system of the first embodiment;

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are diagrams illustrating a format of filingrecorded images in an information recording medium according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the second embodiment;

FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing recordedimages in an information recording medium according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the third embodiment;

FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing recordedimages in an information recording medium according to a modification ofthe third embodiment;

FIGS. 9(a)-9(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing recordedimages in an information recording medium according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the fourth embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a modification of the fourth embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the image reproduction system forperforming image reproduction according to the fifth embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a first recordingapparatus to which the present invention can be applied;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a second recordingapparatus to which the present invention can be applied;

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to a sixthembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing recordedimages in an information recording medium according to the sixthembodiment;

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the contents of recording of a filenamed [AUTOPRINT.MRK], serving as a recorded-image file in theinformation recording medium in the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the sixth embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to a seventh embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to a ninthembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 22 and 23 are flowcharts illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to an eighth embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 24(a), 24(b) and 24(c) illustrate examples of displays indicatingimages to be reproduced in the eighth embodiment;

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a system for executing a method forediting information-recording-medium data in a tenth embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a display picture surface of a user interface unitshown in FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system of the tenth embodiment;

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) for performing image reproduction according to an eleventhembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of an imagereproduction system according to the eleventh embodiment; and

FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a system for executing a method forediting transferred data according to an example of application of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Image filing methods and image reproducing methods according topreferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings.

Provision of Image-Reproduction Instruction Data Within Each Image Data

FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) illustrate a format of filing images in an informationrecording medium according to a first embodiment of the presentinvention.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(a), the informationrecording medium is mapped into four independent areas, i.e., a reservedregion, a file allocation table region, a root directory region, and afile region. In the reserved region, the number of entries within a rootdirectory, the size of the reserved region, and the size of a fileallocation table (FAT) in the information recording medium are recorded.

In the file allocation table, the state of use of an informationrecording medium space in the file region of the information recordingmedium is recorded. In the root directory, directory-entry informationindicating information relating to the name, the size, the position andthe like of each file recorded in the information recording medium. Inthe file region, actual image data and image-reproduction instructiondata are recorded.

In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1(b), image-reproductioninstruction data and image data are recorded in the same file. For theconvenience of explanation, this file is named “IMGxxx”. Differentcharacters, numerals or the like are allocated in ‘xxx’ in order todiscriminate a plurality of images. In the first embodiment,image-reproduction instruction data is recorded in the head of the filefollowed by image data. Image data is recorded in the format of JPEGdata. In the JPEG format, original image data is recorded by beingcompressed. As shown in FIG. 1(c), information for restoring thecompressed image data into the original image data is recorded as headerinformation constituting a part of the image data. The headerinformation includes, for example, information relating to the size ofthe image.

FIG. 2 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 whichexecutes an image reproduction method according to the first embodiment.

The image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automatically selectsdesired image data from among image data recorded in an informationrecording medium 11, and performs reproduction output (printing) of animage represented by the selected image data. In the first embodiment, aCF (compact flash-memory card) is used as the information recordingmedium 11. The information recording medium 11 is not limited to the CF.For example, a floppy disk, a CD-R (CD-recordable), a DVD (digital videodisk) or the like may also be used. The image reproduction system(apparatus) 10 includes a data reading unit 12 for reading recordeddata, comprising image-reproduction instruction data and image data,recorded in the information recording medium 11, and outputting therecorded data to a bus 16, a system control unit 15 for controlling theoperations of the entire system by controlling respective units of theimage reproduction system 10, an image reproduction processing unit 14for receiving image data read by the data reading unit 12 under thecontrol of the system control unit 15 and output to the bus 16, andconverting the image data into reproduction output data for performingreproduction output and outputting the reproduction output data, and animage reproducing unit 13 for receiving the reproduction output data toperform reproduction output (printing). The system control unit 15includes, of course, a CPU (central processing unit), a ROM, a RAM(random access memory) and the like.

Next, a description will be provided of the image reproduction system(apparatus) 10 of the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchartillustrating the operation of the image reproduction system 10. Aprogram represented by the flowchart is set in the RAM, a hard disk orthe like of the system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operational flow is readand executed.

First, in step 300, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 300 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step301, where the leading IMGxxx file from among files recorded in theinformation recording medium 11 shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c) is read by thedata reading unit 12. Then, in step 302, it is determined ifimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in the read IMGxxx file isin an on-state. In the first embodiment, the image-reproductioninstruction data is allocated to the leading 1 byte of the IMGxxx file.If the value of the image-reproduction instruction data equals 1 indecimal notation, that indicates an on-state, and other values indicatean off-state.

At the input side, this data is assigned using input means, such as apersonal computer, a digital camera or the like. This data is recordedwhile determining necessity of reproduction during a photographingoperation. The recorded data is read, and is added to an image to bereproduced while confirming necessity of reproduction. Although in thefirst embodiment, control at the recording side is mainly described,input means for recording an image in a recording medium, such as adigital camera, in a format described in the first embodiment alsoconstitutes, of course, the present invention. In such a case, inputcontrol of an image, control of recording recording/reproductioninstruction data input corresponding to the input image in a recordingmedium in the format described in the first embodiment, and control ofalso recording a corresponding recording control program in therecording medium are also performed.

Accordingly, by analyzing the leading 1-byte data of the IMGxxx file,the state of the image-reproduction instruction data can be easilyconfirmed. When the image-reproduction instruction data is in anoff-state (not in an on-state), the process proceeds to steps 305 and306. When another IMGxxx file is present, the process returns to step302. When the image-reproduction instruction data is in an on-state, theprocess proceeds to step 303, where, as described above, the imagereproduction processing unit 14 performs image reproduction outputprocessing for image reproduction output (printing) for image datastored in the IMGxxx file to generate image reproduction output data. Instep 304, the generated image reproduction output data is reproduced andoutput by the image reproduction unit 13.

In the first embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the imagereproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like. Since each of such processing is well known,further description thereof will be omitted. Then, in step 305, it isdetermined if the next IMGxxx file is present by accessing theinformation recording medium 11. If the result of the determination instep 305 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 306, where thenext IMGxxx file is read, and the process then returns to step 302. Ifthe result of the determination in step 305 is negative, the operationof the image reproduction system of the first embodiment is terminated.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the firstembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the first embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the first embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Although in the first embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, imagedata is not limited to JPEG data. For example, data conforming to TIFF,PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may also be used. In thiscase, however, it is necessary to record information relating to imagereproduction in the information recording medium together with imagedata. When using data having a format other than the JPEG format, it isonly necessary to change processing performed by the image reproductionprocessing unit 14 shown in the first embodiment depending on each imagedata. The present invention is not limited to a specific type of imagedata being used.

Although in the first embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used as theimage reproducing device, the present invention is not limited to such aprinter. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft copydisplay device, such as a CRT (cathode-ray tube), an LCD (liquid-crystaldisplay), a plasma display or the like, may be used. When using such adevice, also, it is only necessary to change processing in the imagereproduction processing unit 14 shown in the first embodiment so as toperform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy displaydevice being used. Accordingly, the present invention may use anyappropriate image reproducing device. In the first embodiment,image-reproduction instruction data is recorded in the leading 1-byteregion of the file where the image-reproduction instruction data andimage data are recorded, and the image-reproduction instruction data isin an on-state when the value of the image-reproduction instruction dataequals 1 in decimal notation, and is in an off-state in other cases.However, the present invention is not limited to such an approach. Forexample, image-reproduction instruction data may be recorded in theleading 2-byte region of the file, or in the last 1-byte region of thefile. In the case of image data having an image header, such as JPEGimage data, a partial region of the image header is opened for extensionby the user. In such a case, image-reproduction instruction data may berecorded using a part of the extended region.

Image-reproduction instruction data is not necessarily in an on-statewhen its value equal 1, and in an off-state in other cases, as in thefirst embodiment. Although the position, the size and the contents ofrecorded image-reproduction instruction data in the file may bearbitrary as described above, it is determined whether or not image dataincluded within the file is to be reproduced by determining how thecontents of the image-reproduction instruction data correspond topredetermined contents of recording by analyzing recorded data at acorresponding position based on the position and the size of therecorded image-reproduction instruction data in the file. Accordingly,it is only necessary to record image data and image-reproductioninstruction data instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced, so that the position, the size, the contents and the orderof recording of recorded image-reproduction instruction data may bearbitrarily set.

Second Embodiment: Provision of a Particular Mark for the Name of aRecorded File

In FIG. 1(b) illustrating the first embodiment, image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced are recorded in a recording file.However, there is a method of executing the present invention byproviding a particular mark for the name of a recording file. FIGS. 4(a)and 4(b) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing images in aninformation recording medium according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention. In the second embodiment, also, as shown in FIG.4(a), the information recording medium is mapped into four independentareas, i.e., a reserved region, a file allocation table region, a rootdirectory region, and a file region. The second embodiment differs fromthe first embodiment in that a file name recorded in a root directoryhas information as image-reproduction instruction data. In the secondembodiment, ‘DP’ is added to the name of image data to be subjected toimage reproduction.

That is, if the file name is ‘xxxDP’, it indicates that an imagerepresented by image data corresponding to that file name is to bereproduced. If the file name is only ‘xxx’, it indicates that an imagerepresented by image data corresponding to that file name is not to bereproduced. An extender in the name may be used as a specific identifierin order to discriminate between an image to be reproduced and an imagenot to be reproduced.

The image reproduction system 10 for performing image reproductionaccording to the second embodiment has the same configuration as theimage reproduction system 10 of the first embodiment.

Next, a description will be provided of the image reproduction system 10of the second embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating theoperation of the image reproduction system 10. A program represented bythe flowchart is set in the RAM, a hard disk or the like of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operation of the flowchartis read and executed.

First, in step 500, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 500 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step501, where the data reading unit 12 refers to the contents of the rootdirectory recorded in the information recording medium 11 to determineif a ‘xxxDP’ file is present. If the result of the determination in step501 is negative, the operation of the second embodiment is terminated.If the result of the determination in step 501 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 502, where the leading ‘xxxDP’ file in the fileregion is read (see FIG. 4(b)).

Then, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performs imagereproduction output processing for image reproduction output (printing)for image data stored in the ‘xxxDP’ file to generate image reproductionoutput data. In step 504, the generated image reproduction output datais reproduced and output by the image reproduction unit 13. In thesecond embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the imagereproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

Then, in step 505, it is determined if the next ‘xxxDP’ file is presentby accessing the information recording medium 11. If the result of thedetermination in step 505 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step506, where the next IMGxxx file is read, and the process then returns tostep 503. If the result of the determination in step 505 is negative,the operation of the image reproduction system of the second embodimentis terminated.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the secondembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the second embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the second embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Although in the second embodiment, also, JPEG data is used as imagedata, image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, dataconforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may alsobe used. In this case, however, it is necessary to record informationrelating to image reproduction in the information recording mediumtogether with image data. When using data having a format other than theJPEG format, it is only necessary to change processing performed by theimage reproduction processing unit 14 shown in the second embodimentdepending on each image data. The present invention is not limited to aspecific type of image data being used.

Although in the second embodiment, also, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft copydisplay device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or the like, maybe used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessary to changeprocessing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 shown in thesecond embodiment so as to perform processing corresponding to a printeror a soft copy display device being used. Accordingly, the presentinvention may use any appropriate image reproducing device.

In the second embodiment, ‘DP’ is added to the name of image data to besubjected to image reproduction, in order to indicate that an image ofthat file is to be reproduced. However, the present invention is notlimited to such an approach. It is only necessary that a file namerecorded in the root directory has information as image-reproductioninstruction data. Accordingly, the present invention may be easilyexecuted even if any other name or mark is used.

As described above, the image reproduction system of the presentinvention checks the feature of a file name which may be arbitrarilydetermined in advance, and determines if that feature corresponds to apredetermined feature, to determine whether or not image data includedin that file is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is only necessary torecord a feature indicating image-reproduction instruction data in afile name, so that the feature used, i.e., a name, a mark, a symbol orthe like may be arbitrarily set.

Third Embodiment: Provision of a File Storing a File Name Where ImageData to be Subjected to Image Reproduction is Present Within a FileRegion

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIGS. 6(a)-6(c) are diagrams illustrating a format of filing images inan information recording medium according to the third embodiment. Inthe third embodiment, also, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the informationrecording medium is mapped into four independent areas, i.e., a reservedregion, a file-allocation table region, a root directory region, and afile region.

The third embodiment differs from the second embodiment mainly in thattwo kinds of files are recorded in the file region. One is a file havingan image-data file to be subjected to image reproduction as the contentsof recording. In the third embodiment, the name of such a file isrepresented by ‘DPFxxx’ (see FIG. 6(c)). Another is a file having imagedata itself as the contents of recording. In the third embodiment, thename of such a file is represented by ‘IMGxxx’. Thus, a file name havingimage data to be subjected to image reproduction is recorded in the‘DPFxxx’ file.

The image reproduction system 10 for performing image reproductionaccording to the third embodiment has the same configuration as theimage reproduction system 10 of the second embodiment.

Next, a description will be provided of the image reproduction system 10of the third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the imagereproduction system 10. A program represented by the flowchart is set inthe RAM, a hard disk or the like of the system control unit 15 of theimage reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started to operate, forexample, by turning on the power supply, the operation of the flowchartis read and executed.

First, in step 700, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 700 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step701, where the data reading unit 12 refers to the contents of the rootdirectory recorded in the information recording medium 11 to determineif a ‘DPFxxx’ file is present. If the result of the determination instep 701 is negative, the operation of the third embodiment isterminated.

If the result of the determination in step 701 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 702, where the leading ‘DPFxxx’ file in thefile region is read (see FIG. 6(c)). Then, in step 703, the first filename ‘IMGxxx’ stored in the read ‘DPFxxx’ file is read. Then, in step704, image data corresponding to the ‘IMGxxx’ file read in step 703 (seeFIG. 6(b)) is read. Then, in step 705, the image reproduction processingunit 14 performs image reproduction output processing for imagereproduction output (printing) for the image data read in step 704 togenerate image reproduction output data. In step 706, the generatedimage reproduction output data is reproduced and output by the imagereproduction unit 13.

In the third embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the imagereproduction unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as an image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

Then, in step 707, it is determined if the next ‘IMGxxx’ file is presentin the ‘DPFxxx’ file currently being accessed (see FIG. 6(c)). If theresult of the determination in step 707 is affirmative, the processproceeds to step 708, where the next IMGxxx file is read, and theprocess then returns to step 704. If the result of the determination instep 707 is negative, the process proceeds to step 709, where it isdetermined if another ‘DPFxxx’ file is present by accessing theinformation recording medium 11.

If the result of the determination in step 709 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 710, where the next ‘DPFxxx’ file is read, andthe process then returns to step 703. If the result of the determinationin step 709 is negative, the operation of the image reproduction systemof the third embodiment is terminated.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the thirdembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the third embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the third embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Although in the third embodiment, also, JPEG data is used as image data,image data is not limited to JPEG data. For example, data conforming toTIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may also be used. Inthis case, however, it is necessary to record information relating toimage reproduction in the information recording medium together withimage data. When using data having a format other than the JPEG format,it is only necessary to change processing performed by the imagereproduction processing unit 14 shown in the third embodiment dependingon each image data. The present invention is not limited to a specifictype of image data being used.

Although in the third embodiment, also, an ink-jet printer is used asthe image reproducing device, the present invention is not limited tosuch a printer. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft copydisplay device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or the like, maybe used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessary to changeprocessing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 shown in thethird embodiment so as to perform processing corresponding to a printeror a soft copy display device being used. Accordingly, the presentinvention may use any appropriate image reproducing device.

In the third embodiment, two kinds of files are recorded in the fileregion. One is a file having image data file to be subjected to imagereproduction as the contents of recording, and another is a file havingimage data itself as the contents of recording, having file names of‘DPFxxx’ and ‘IMGxxx’, respectively. In the present invention, the filenames are limited to such names, but any file names may be adopedprovided that the two kinds of files can be identified.

As described above, the image reproduction system of the presentinvention checks the feature of a file name which may be arbitrarilydetermined in advance, and determines if that feature corresponds to apredetermined feature, to determine whether the contents of that fileindicate image data or a file name to be subjected to imagereproduction. By selectively accessing a file where the file name to besubjected to image reproduction is stored, the file name stored in thatframe is read, the file correspond ing to that file name is read, andimage reproduction is performed for image data stored in that file.

Although in the third embodiment, a file name is used as means fordiscriminating a image-reproduction instruction data file storing a filename to be subjected to image reproduction, the present invention is notlimited to such an approach.

For example, a file format shown in FIGS. 8(a)-8(c) may be used as animage filing method for executing the present invention. As is apparentfrom FIG. 8(a), in this case, an image-reproduction instruction datafile is stored at the leading position of the file region as aparticular file. This information is recorded in the root directory andis referred to. That is, when executing the present invention in thismanner, the leading file of the file region of the information recordingmedium corresponds to the image reproduction instruction data file.Hence, in the image reading method of the present invention, by readinginformation recorded in the leading file of the file region of theinformation recording medium, a recorded file including image data to besubjected to image reproduction can be easily selected. Furthermore, bypreparing a file region dedicated for an image-reproduction instructiondata file and recording that data file in the root directory, it is alsopossible to selectively access the image-reproduction instruction datafile. Accordingly, in such a case, also, the present invention can beexecuted. In this case, although a flowchart is omitted, theimage-reproduction instruction data file shown in FIGS. 8(a) and 8(c)may be searched for instead of the DPFxxx file shown in step 703 in FIG.7, and image data represented by IMGxxx shown in FIG. 8(b) may beaccessed whenever necessary.

As described above, in the image reproduction system and apparatus ofthe present invention, by analyzing recorded data at a correspondingposition based on the position and the size of predeterminedimage-reproduction instruction data in the information recording medium,and determining how the contents of that data correspond topredetermined contents of recording, it is determined whether or notimage data recorded in the information recording medium is to bereproduced. Accordingly, the image output operation executed in theimage reproduction system and apparatus differs in each of theembodiments in accordance with the data recording format of theinformation recording medium. In each of the above-describedembodiments, a program represented by an operational flow correspondingto a recording format used in the embodiment is set in the RAM or thehard disk of the system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system10.

Dealing with Multiple Formats

The present invention is not limited to the configurations of theabove-described embodiments. For example, an operational flow can be setor reset within an image reproduction system utilizing an informationrecording medium or a communication network. FIG. 10 illustrates anoperational flow in such a case. The program represented by thisoperational flow is set in the RAM or the hard disk of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 starts, for example, by turning onthe power supply, the program represented by this operational flow isread and executed. In this case, an image file is stored in a formatcorresponding to the stored program. That is, when a plurality of kindsof main formats are present in a state in which standards are notunified, and a medium in which data is recorded with a certain format isloaded, it is possible to perform processing appropriate for that formatirrespective of the format. For example, when formats shown in FIGS.1(a)-1(c), 4(a) and 4(b), 6(a)-6(c), and 8(a)-8(c) are present, one ofthe flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 (the flowchart corresponding toFIGS. 8(a)-8(c) is omitted) corresponding to the format is stored in PRGshown in FIG. 9(a).

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIG. 10. First, in step 1001, it is determined if theinformation recording medium 11 is set in the data reading unit 12. Ifthe result of the determination in step 1001 is affirmative, the processproceeds to step 1002, where it is determined if an image output controlprogram PRG is stored in the set information recording medium 11 (seeFIG. 9(a)). If the result of the determination in step 1002 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 1003, where the image outputcontrol program PRG is set within the system control unit 15 of thesystem.

If the result of the determination in step 1002 is negative, the processproceeds to step 1004, where the system performs an operation inaccordance with an image output control program set in the systemcontrol unit 15 of the system (a default program, for example, one ofthe programs represented by the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 maybe used). Upon completion of a series of operations, the process returnsto this operational flow. Then, in step 1005, the set informationrecording medium 11 is discharged to terminate the process.

In order to execute the fourth embodiment, an image output controlprogram must be recorded in the information recording medium 11. FIGS.9(a)-9(c) illustrate an image recording medium format of the informationrecording medium 11. The image output control program is recorded in thefile region in the name of PRG.

In the fourth embodiment, by confirming if the file having that name ispresent, it is confirmed that the image output control program is storedin the information recording medium. As described above, if the type ofa program corresponds to a format, the type of a program (for example,one of the programs shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 7) and the type of theformat corresponding to the program (for example, one of formats shownin FIGS. 1(a)-1(c), 4(a) and 4(b), 6(a) 6(c), and 8(a)-8(c)) areidentified according to the name of the program. In the presentinvention, it is only necessary to store an image output control programin the information recording medium 11, and to provide the imagereproduction system and apparatus with means for accessing the program.For example, if the above-described file is present at a determinedposition, and that position is set in the image reproduction system andapparatus of the present invention, it is also possible to access theimage output control program of the information recording medium basedon that information. Hence, the present invention is not limited to themethod of the fourth embodiment.

Direct Access to a Program

In the fourth embodiment, when an image output control program is storedin an information recording medium, image output control is performed byfirst storing the image output control program in the memory or the likeof the system control unit of the image reproduction system. However,the present invention is not limited to such an approach. For example,it is also possible to output an image by performing image outputcontrol by directly accessing the program stored in the informationrecording medium. FIG. 11 illustrates an operational flow in such acase. The operation of this case is substantially the same as in thefourth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, except performing direct access tothe image output program stored in the information recording medium.Hence, further description thereof will be omitted. In step 1103, outputcontrol is performed based on a program stored in the medium. If theprogram is not stored in the medium as a result of determination in step1102, the process proceeds to step 1104, where output control isperformed based on an image output program stored in the apparatus.

Provision of a Plurality of Slots

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an imagereproduction system (apparatus) according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention. The basic configuration of the apparatus is the sameas the configuration in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2. In thefifth embodiment, slots, each for an information recording medium, isprovided in the data reading unit. One of the slots is for aninformation recording medium for recording image data andinformation-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or notthe image data is to be reproduced, as in the first embodiment. Anotherslot is for a medium storing a program for controlling an image outputoperation of the image reproduction system of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates the operational flow of the fifth embodiment. Thisoperational program is set in the RAM, the hard disk or the like of thesystem control unit of the image reproduction system.

When the image reproduction system has started, for example, by turningon the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

First, in step 1200, it is determined if the information recordingmedium 11 is mounted in a slot. If the result of the determination instep 1200 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 1201, where it isdetermined if the information recording medium 11 is set in the slot forprogram of the data reading unit. If the result of the determination instep 1201 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 1202, where it isdetermined if an image output control program is present in theinformation recording medium 11. If the result of the determination instep 1202 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 1203, where theimage reproduction system is controlled by the image output controlprogram stored in the information recording medium 11, to execute imageoutput. If the result of the determination in step 1201 or 1202 isnegative, it may be determined that only a recording medium for imagedata is set on another slot for image data, or that a medium for imagedata is erroneously set in the slot for a program, and the processproceeds to step 1204, where the image reproduction system is controlledby an image output control program stored in the system in advance, toexecute image output. Then, the process is terminated. When both amedium for a program and a medium for image data are mounted in thecorresponding slots, image reproduction processing is, of course,selectively performed based on image-reproduction instruction datastored in the set medium for image data in the above-described manner,based on the program.

Example of Image Reproduction System

Next, a description will be provided of the structure of a printer ofthe image reproduction system to which any one of the embodiments can beapplied.

The configurations of a laser-beam printer and an ink-jet printer towhich any one of the embodiments can be applied will be described withreference to FIGS. 14 and 15, respectively. The printer to which any oneof the embodiments is applied is not limited to a laser-beam printer oran ink-jet printer, but any other appropriate printer may, of course, beadopted.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of afirst recording apparatus to which the present invention can be applied,for example, a laser-beam printer (LBP).

In FIG. 14, a main body 1500 of the LBP (printer) receives and storesprinting information (character codes or the like), form information, amacrocommand or the like supplied from a host computer connected to theprinter, forms character patterns, a form pattern or the like inaccordance with the information, and forms an image on recording paper,serving as a recording medium. A printer control unit 1000 controls theentirety of the LBP main body 1500 and analyzes character information orthe like supplied from the host computer. The printer control unit 1000mainly converts character information into a video signal representingcorresponding character patterns, and outputs the video signal to alaser driver 1502. The laser driver 1502 is a circuit for driving asemiconductor laser 1503, and performs on-off switching of a laser beam1504 emitted from the semiconductor laser 1503 in accordance with theinput video signal. The laser beam 1504 is deflected in a directionperpendicular to the plane of FIG. 14 by a rotating polygonal mirror1505 to scan and expose an electrostatic drum 1506. An electrostaticlatent image of the character patterns is thereby formed on theelectrostatic drum 1506. The electrostatic latent image is developed bya developing unit 1507 disposed around the electrostatic drum 1506, andthe developed image is transferred onto recording paper. A cut sheet isused as the recording paper. Cut sheets of the recording paper areaccommodated in a sheet cassette 1508 mounted in the LBP main body 1500,and is supplied to the electrostatic drum 1506 by being received intothe printer by a sheet feeding roller 1509 and conveying rollers 1510and 1511. A color image may also be obtained according to the sameconfiguration.

FIG. 15 is an external-appearance diagram illustrating the configurationof a second recording apparatus to which the present invention can beapplied, for example, an ink-jet recording apparatus (IJRA).

In FIG. 15, a carriage HC engaging with a helical groove 5004 of a leadscrew 5005 rotated in a state of being linked with forward/reverserevolutions of a driving motor 5013 via driving-force transmission gears5011 and 5009 has a pin (not shown), and is reciprocated in directionsof arrows a and b via a guide rail 5003. An ink-jet cartridge IJCincluding an ink tank IT and an ink-jet head IJH is mounted on thecarriage HC. A sheet pressing plate 5002 presses a sheet against aplaten 5000 along the carriage moving direction. The head can alsooutput a color image. Driving is not limited to a specific method. Forexample, a piezoelectric method, an air flow method, a sublimationmethod or the like may be adopted.

A photocoupler 5007, 5008 operates as home-position detection means forconfirming presence of a carriage lever 5006 in this region, andperforming, for example, switching of the direction of revolution of thedriving motor 5013. Reference numeral 5016 represents a member whichoperates a cap member 5022 for capping the entire surface of therecording head. Reference numeral 5015 represents suction means forsucking the inside of the cap. The suction means 5015 performs suctionrecovery of the recording head via an opening 5023 provided in the cap.A cleaning blade 5017 is movable in forward and reverse directions by amember 5019. A main-body supporting plate 5018 supports the cleaningblade 5017 and the member 5019. A lever 5012 for starting suction ofsuction recovery is moved in accordance with the movement of a cam 5020engaging the carriage. The driving force from the driving motor 5013 issubjected to movement control by known transmission means, such asclutch switching or the like.

For each of these capping, cleaning and suction recovery, desiredprocessing can be performed at a corresponding position by the functionof the lead screw 5005 when the carriage reaches the home position sideregion. It is only necessary to perform a desired operation at awell-known timing.

Sixth embodiment

Next, a description will be provided of a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention in which the present invention is further improved.

An image reproduction method, and an image reproduction system andapparatus according to the sixth embodiment will now be described indetail with reference to the drawings. The sixth embodiment has thefeature that the apparatus includes display means for displayingimage-reproduction instruction data and image data, and that the displaymeans displays a summary, or a mark indicating whether or not thedisplayed image is an image to be reproduced, or whether or not allimages to be reproduced can be output based on the number of imagesoutputtable by the apparatus.

FIG. 16 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 whichexecutes an image reproduction method according to the sixth embodiment.This image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automatically selectsdesired image data from among image data recorded in an informationrecording medium 11, and performs reproduction output (printing) of animage represented by the selected image data. In the fifth embodiment, aCF is used as the information recording medium 11. The informationrecording medium 11 is not limited to the CF. For example, a floppy diskor the like may also be used. The image reproduction system (apparatus)10 includes a data reading unit 12 for reading recorded data, comprisingimage-reproduction instruction data and image data, recorded in theinformation recording medium 11, and outputting the recorded data to abus 16, a system control unit 15 for controlling the operations of theentire system by controlling respective units of the image reproductionsystem 10, an image reproduction processing unit 14 for receiving imagedata read by the data reading unit 12 under the control of the systemcontrol unit 15 and output to the bus 16, and converting the image datainto reproduction output data for performing reproduction output andoutputting the reproduction output data, an image reproducing unit 13for receiving the reproduction output data to perform reproductionoutput (printing), a data processing unit 170 for analyzing the contentsof image-reproduction instruction data by selectively accessing thatdata, and a data display unit 180 for displaying a summary of images tobe reproduced in accordance with the result of the data processing unit170. In the sixth embodiment, a thumbnail image is displayed on the datadisplay unit 180. However, the present invention is not limited to sucha display. For example, the name of each image file may be displayed.

FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) illustrate a format of filing images in an informationrecording medium according to the sixth embodiment.

In the sixth embodiment, the information recording medium is mapped intofour independent areas, i.e., a reserved region, a file allocation tableregion, a root directory region, and a file region. In the reservedregion, the number of entries within a root directory, the size of thereserved region, and the size of a file allocation table (FAT) in theinformation recording medium are recorded.

In the file allocation table, the state of use of an informationrecording medium space in the file region of the information recordingmedium is recorded. In a root directory, directory-entry informationindicating information relating to the name, the size, the position andthe like of each file recorded in the information recording medium isrecorded. In the file region, actual image data and image-reproductioninstruction data are recorded.

In the sixth embodiment, at least two kinds of files are used as filesto be recorded in the file region. One is a file having image dataitself as the contents of recording. In the sixth embodiment, a filehaving a format of JPEG data is used. For the convenience ofexplanation, such a file is hereinafter named ‘XXX.JPG’. The file nameis not limited to this format, but any other appropriate format may beadopted provided that image files can be classified.

In the JPEG format, original image data is recorded by being compressed.Information for restoring the compressed image data into the originalimage data is recorded as header information constituting a part of theimage data. The header information includes, for example, informationrelating to the size of the image.

Another file is a file having an image data file to be subjected toimage reproduction and additional information relating to the file asthe contents of recording. In the sixth embodiment, such a file is named‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’.

FIG. 18 illustrates an example of the contents of recording of‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’.

<PRE>

CIFF_VERSION=1.00

is header information of the file.

The image data file to be subjected to image reproduction is representedby providing the following tag:

-   -   <IMG SRC=“XXX.JPG”>.

The data file to be subjected to image reproduction is indicated withinparentheses < >.

CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=1 is an example of a tag indicating additionalinformation, and indicates, in the sixth embodiment, the number ofprints of the image reproduction data file indicated immediately beforethe tag.

Accordingly, by checking the contents of recording of AUTOPRINT.MRK, theimage data file to be subjected to image reproduction and the totalnumber of images to be reproduced can be obtained.

For example, as for the ‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’ shown in FIG. 18, image files tobe subjected to image reproduction are ‘A00.JPG’ and ‘A03.JPG’, and thetotal number of images to be reproduced is 3.

This file is edited using input means of a personal computer or adigital camera. This file is edited by determining whether an image isto be reproduced during a photographing operation, and also, forexample, when reading recorded data and adding the read data to an imageto be reproduced while confirming necessity of reproduction of the data.

Next, a description will be provided of the operation of the imagereproduction system (apparatus) 10 of the sixth embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the sixth embodiment. The program represented by theoperational flow is set in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example, byturning on the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

First, in step 301, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 301 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step302, where it is determined if an image to be reproduced is to beconfirmed. This determination is provided in advance using a switch ofthe user interface. If the result of the determination in step 302 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 310. If ther result of thedetermination in step 302 is negative, the process proceeds to step 303.

First, the case of proceeding to step 310 will be described followed bydescription of the case of proceeding to step 303.

In step 310, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file fromamong files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 311, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 312, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 312is negative, the process returns to step 311, where analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 312 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 313, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG “<IMG″.

In step 314, image data to be displayed corresponding to the image fileto be subjected to image reproduction is read based on the read name ofthe image file to be subjected to image reproduction, and is displayedon the data display unit 180. In the sixth embodiment, data prepared inadvance as a thumbnail image is used as image data to be displayed.

In the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data for display,and the data display unit 180 uses a CRT as the image display device.Accordingly, the data processing unit 170 performs processing ofobtaining RGB data by defrosting image data for display stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, and the like.

When data display has been performed, the process returns to step 311,where the system continues analysis of the contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRKfile while confirming the end of the file.

Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of the contents isperformed by executing the processes of steps 311, 312, 313 and 314.

The image files to be subjected to image reproduction are sequentiallyadded to the data display unit 180 to be displayed thereon, and asummary of images are displayed. FIGS. 24(a)-24(c) are examples of suchdisplay.

When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 311, the processproceeds to step 315, where it is determined if the confirmed image isto be displayed. This determination is provided using a switch of theuser interface. If the result of the determination in step 315 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 303, where image reproductionis performed. If the result of the determination in step 315 isnegative, the process is terminated.

Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding to step303 and performing image reproduction.

In step 303, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file fromamong files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 304, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 305, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 305is negative, the process returns to step 304, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 305 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 306, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

In step 307, image data stored in the image file to be subjected toimage reproduction is read based on the read name of the image file tobe subjected to image reproduction. In step 308, the image reproductionprocessing unit 14 executes image reproduction output processing forimage reproduction output (printing), to generate image reproductionoutput data. The generated image reproduction output data is subjectedto reproduction output (printing) by the image reproducing unit 13.

In the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the datareproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 304, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of the contents isperformed by executing the processes of steps 304, 305, 306, 307, 308and 309.

When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 304, the systemterminates its operation.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the sixthembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the sixth embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the sixth embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Furthermore, since means for confirming an image to be reproduced isprovided, it is possible to easily confirm the image to be reproduced bythe user's instruction before automatically performing imagereproduction.

Although in the sixth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data andimage data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data. Forexample, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAWdata may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary to recordinformation relating to image reproduction in the information recordingmedium together with image data. When using data having a format otherthan the JPEG format, it is only necessary to change processingperformed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 and the dataprocessing unit 170 shown in the sixth embodiment depending on eachimage data. The present invention is not limited to a specific type ofimage data being used.

Although in the sixth embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used as theimage reproducing device, the present invention is not limited to such aprinter. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the sixth embodiment so asto perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy displaydevice being used. Accordingly, the present invention may use anyappropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

In the image reproduction system of the present invention, by analizingrecorded data at a corresponding position based on the position and thesize of image-reproduction instruction data in a file, and determininghow the contents of the data correspond to predetermined contents ofrecording, it is determined whether or not image data recorded in thefile is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is only necessary that imagedata and image-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether ornot the image data is to be reproduced are recorded in the file. Thereis no limitation in the position, the size, the contents, the order andthe like of recording.

Seventh embodiment

In the above-described sixth embodiment, a description has been providedof the case of displaying a summary of information relating to an imageto be reproduced on a data display unit in order to confirm the imagebefore reproducing the image in an image reproduction system andapparatus for automatically reproducing image data recorded in aninformation recording medium.

In order to confirm an image to be displayed, information relating toimage data recorded in the information recording medium (may be thecorresponding image itself, the name of the image file, the number ofthe file, or the like) may be displayed, and whether or not the image isto be reproduced may also be displayed at that time.

A description will now be provided of such an approach according to aseventh embodiment of the present invention.

An image reproduction system according to the seventh embodiment has thesame configuration as the image reproduction system of the sixthembodiment.

The operation of the image reproduction system 10 in the seventhembodiment will now be described.

FIG. 20 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the seventh embodiment.

A part of the operational flow of the seventh embodiment is the same asthe operational flow shown in FIG. 19. Since processes having the samestep numbers as in FIG. 19 perform the same operations, a furtherdescription thereof will be omitted.

The seventh embodiment differs from the sixth embodiment mainly in theoperational flow of confirming an image to be reproduced. Hence, theoperational flow of such a portion will be particularly described. Asfor the operational flow which is not described in the seventhembodiment, refer to the foregoing description.

This operational flow is set in the RAM, the hard disk or the like ofthe system control unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example, byturning on the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

First, in step 301, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 301 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step302, where it is determined if an image to be reproduced is to beconfirmed. This determination is provided in advance using a switch ofthe user interface. If the result of the determination in step 302 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 501. If the result of thedetermination in step 302 is negative, the process proceeds to step 303.

In step 303, image data is reproduced from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the contents described in an AUTOPRINT.MRKfile. This operational flow is the same as in the sixth embodiment.

A description will now be provided of the case of proceeding to step501.

In step 501, the first image data in the information recording medium isread. Then, in step 502, the data processing unit 170 performsprocessing for data display. Then, in step 503, the image data isdisplayed on the data display unit 180.

In the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the datadisplay unit 180 uses a CRT as the image display device. Accordingly,the data processing unit 170 performs processing of obtaining RGB databy defrosting image data stored as JPEG data, color processing,resolution conversion processing, and the like.

Next, in step 504, the file name of the image data displayed on the datadisplay unit 180 is read.

Then, in step 505, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK filefrom among files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 506, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file has been confirmed, the processproceeds to step 511. The operation starting from step 511 will bedescribed later.

When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents of the file arecontinued to be analyzed, and in step 507, it is determined if TAG″<IMG″is present. If the result of the determination in step 507 is negative,the process returns to step 506, where the analysis of the contents ofthe file is continued while confirming the end of the file. If theresult of the determination in step 507 is affirmative, the processproceeds to step 508, where the name of the image file to be subjectedto image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents of the fileSRC “XXX.JPG”>recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

In step 509, it is determined if the name of the read image file to besubjected to image reproduction coincides with the name of the imagedata file currently being displayed. If the result of the determinationin step 509 is negative, the process returns to step 506, where theanalysis of the contents of the file is continued while confirming theend of the file. If the result of the determination in step 509 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 510, where a reproduction markindicating that the image currently being displayed represents imagedata to be subjected to reproduction output (printing) is provided.FIGS. 24(a)-24(c) illustrate examples of display on the display unit 180in the seventh embodiment. In FIGS. 24(b) and 24(c), a mark “P” shown ata lower right portion of each frame indicates that the correspondingimage is an image to be reproduced. Each of FIGS. 24(a) and 24(c) alsoillustrates an example of a summary.

Then, the process proceeds to step 511, where it is determined if adisplayed-image changing button has been depressed. If the result of thedetermination in step 511 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step512, where the next image data is read from the information recordingmedium. Then, the process returns to step 502, where image displayprocessing is performed, and the above-described processes are againperformed in accordance with the flow.

If the result of the determination in step 511 is negative, the processproceeds to step 513, where it is determined if theimage-to-be-displayed confirmation end button has been depressed. If theresult of the determination in step 513 is affirmative, the operation ofconfirming the image to be reproduced is terminated, and the processproceeds to step 315. If the result of the determination in step 513 isnegative, the process returns to step 511, where it is determined if thedisplayed-image changing button has been depressed, and theabove-described processes are repeated.

In step 315, it is determined if an image is to be reproduced. Thisdetermination is provided using a switch of the user interface. If theresult of the determination in step 315 is affirmative, the processproceeds to step 303, where image reproduction is performed. If theresult of the determination in step 315 is negative, the systemterminates the operation.

Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding to step303 and performing image reproduction.

In step 303, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file fromamong files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 304, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 305, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 305is negative, the process returns to step 304, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 305 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 306, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG” recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

In step 307, image data stored in the image file to be subjected toimage reproduction is read based on the read name of the image file tobe subjected to image reproduction. In step 308, the image reproductionprocessing unit 14 executes image reproduction output processing forimage reproduction output (printing), to generate image reproductionoutput data. The generated image reproduction output data is subjectedto reproduction output (printing) by the image reproducing unit 13.

In the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the datareproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 304, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of the contents isperformed by executing the processes of steps 304, 305, 306, 307, 308and 309.

When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 304, the systemterminates its operation.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the seventhembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the seventh embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the seventhembodiment, by executing the image filing method and the imagereproducing method of the present invention, desired image data recordedin the information recording medium can be automatically reproduced andoutput without assigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Furthermore, since means for confirming an image to be reproduced isprovided, it is possible to easily confirm the image to be reproduced bythe user's instruction before automatically performing imagereproduction.

Although in the seventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data andimage data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data. Forexample, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAWdata may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary to recordinformation relating to image reproduction in the information recordingmedium together with image data. When using data having a format otherthan the JPEG format, it is only necessary to change processingperformed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 and the dataprocessing unit 170 shown in the seventh embodiment depending on eachimage data. The present invention is not limited to a specific type ofimage data being used.

Although in the seventh embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used as theimage reproducing device, the present invention is not limited to such aprinter. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the seventh embodiment soas to perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copydisplay device being used. Accordingly, the present invention may useany appropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

In the image reproduction system of the present invention, by analyzingrecorded data at a corresponding position based on the position and thesize of image-reproduction instruction data in a file, and determininghow the contents of the data correspond to predetermined contents ofrecording, it is determined whether or not image data recorded in thefile is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is only necessary that imagedata and image-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether ornot the image data is to be reproduced are recorded in the file. Thereis no limitation in the position, the size, the contents, the order andthe like of recording.

Eighth Embodiment

As methods for confirming an image to be reproduced, a method ofdisplaying a summary of images to be displayed, and a method ofindividually displaying image data recorded in an information recordingmedium and displaying, when the concerned image is an image to bedisplayed, a mark indicating that fact together with the image data havebeen described in detail.

As another method for confirming an image to be reproduced, there is amethod of displaying a summary of image data recorded in an informationrecording medium, and displaying, when the concerned image datarepresents an image to be reproduced, that fact for each image in thesummary.

FIG. 24(c) illustrates an example of the above-described methodaccording to an eighth embodiment of the present invention. A summary ofimage data recorded in the information recording medium is displayed onthe display unit. In the eighth embodiment, a thumbnail image is used asthe displayed image. A mark “P” is simultaneously displayed at a lowerright portion of the thumbnail image when the image is to be displayed.The method of indicating an image to be displayed is not limited to sucha method. For example, a method of changing the hue of an image to bereproduced from the hue for other images, or a method of providing aframe for an image to be reproduced may be adopted.

Procesures for actually executing the eighth embodiment in an imageoutput system and apparatus can be obtained by correcting procedures forexecuting the above-described two methods. Hence, further descriptionthereof will be omitted.

Ninth Embodiment

A ninth embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

An object of the present invention is to easily confirm an image to bereproduced in an apparatus for automatically reproducing an imagerepresented by image data recorded in an information recording medium.For that purpose, an image-reproduction instruction data file forspecifying image data subjected to image reproduction is provided, andmeans for grasping the contents of the file before performing imagereproduction is provided.

By utilizing this function, it is possible to perform warning for anoperational error or the like produced in automatic printing when thethe number of printable images is smaller than the number of images tobe printed.

A description will now be provided of such processing according to theninth embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an image reproduction system(apparatus) 60 for executing an image reproduction method according tothe ninth embodiment.

This image reproduction apparatus (system) 60 automatically selects adesired image from among images recorded in an information recordingmedium 11, and performs reproduction output (printing) of the selectedimage. At that time, the apparatus 60 checks the number of printsoutputtable from the apparatus and the number of images to beautomatically output. If the number of images to be output exceeds thenumber of outputtable prints, the apparatus 60 displays a warning tosuspend image output and to prevent occurrence of an output error.

For that purpose, the apparatus 60 provides a system-state detectionunit 20 in contrast to the apparatuses of the foregoing embodiments. Inthe system (apparatus) 60 of the ninth embodiment, an ink-jet printer isused as an image reproducing device of an image reproducing unit 13. Thenumber of prints suppliable from the ink-jet printer is given based onthe total amount of inks of respective colors to be supplied and thenumber of printing sheets. Accordingly, in the ninth embodiment, thesystem-state detection unit 20 includes a device for opticallymonitoring the capacity of ink tanks of the ink-jet printer, and adevice for monitoring the number of sheets from the thickness of thesheets. It is thereby possible to always detect the current number ofprints outputtable from the ink-jet printer. This approach may also beapplied to a laser-beam printer or other printers. Other components inthe ninth embodiment are the same as in the foregoing embodiments.

Next, a description will be provided of the operation of the imagereproduction system 60 of the ninth embodiment.

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate the operational flow of the imagereproduction system 60 of the ninth embodiment. The operational flow isset in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the system control unit 15 ofthe image reproduction system 60.

When the image reproduction system 60 has started, for example, byturning on the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

First, in step 700, it is determined if an information recording medium11 is set in a data reading unit 12. If the result of the determinationin step 700 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 701, whereinitial setting is performed, i.e., a value 0 is set in a counter TPCNfor setting the total number of prints, and a value 0 is set in acounter PCN for setting the number of prints for each image. The processthen proceeds to step 702, where the data reading unit 12 reads anAUTOPRINT.MRK file from among files recorded in the informationrecording medium 11. The contents of the read file are sequentiallytransferred to a data processing unit 170 to be analyzed.

In step 703, the end of the file is determined. If the result of thedetermination in step 703 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step709, where the value of the counter PCN is added to the value of thecounter TPCN. The value of the counter TPCN obtained at that time is thetotal number of image reproduction operations (prints).

If the result of the determination in step 703 is negative, the contentsof the file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 704, it isdetermined if TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determinationin step 704 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 707, where thevalue currently held by the counter PCN is added to the value of thecounter TPCN. The process then proceeds to step 708, where the value ofthe counter PCN is set to 1. The process then returns to step 703, andthe analysis of the contents of the file is continued.

If the result of the determination in step 704 is negative, the processproceeds to step 705, where it is determined if TAGCIFF“_PRINT_COUNT=”is present in the contents of the file. If the result of thedetermination in step 705 is negative, the process returns to step 703,and analysis of the contents of the file is continued.

If the result of the determination in step 705 is affirmative, a value“X” set in TAG″CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=” in the form of CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=“X” isset in the counter PCN. The process then returns to step 703, and theanalysis of the contents of the file is continued.

Step 710 is executed after step 709. In step 710, the number of printsoutputtable from the apparatus (system) is read from the system-statedetection unit 20. Then, in step 711, it is determined if the value ofthe counter TPCN obtained in step 709 is equal to or less than theoutputtable prints read in step 710. If the result of the determinationin step 711 is negative, the process proceeds to step 724, where warningdisplay is performed on a data display unit 180, and the operation ofthe system is terminated. If the result of the determination in step 711is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 712, where imagereproduction output (printing) is performed.

Next, a description will be provided of the case of proceeding to step712 and performing image reproduction.

In step 712, initial setting is performed, and a value 0 is set in thecounter PCN for setting the number of prints for each image.

Then, in step 713, the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK filefrom among files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 170 to be analyzed. In step 714, the end of the file isconfirmed.

When the end of the file has been confirmed, the process proceeds tostep 722, where it is determined if the value of the counter PCN is 0.If the result of the determination in step 722 is affirmative, thesystem terminates its operation. If the result of the determination instep 722 is negative, the process proceeds to step 723, where about PCNprints of image data corresponding to the file name recorded in afile-name temporarily storing folder PFN are output, and the operationof the system is terminated.

When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents of the file arecontinued to be analyzed, and in step 715, it is determined if TAG″<IMG″is present.

If the result of the determination in step 715 is negative, the processproceeds to step 716, where it is determined if TAG″CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=″is present. If the result of the determination in step 716 isaffirmative, a value “X” given in the form of CIFF_PRINT_COUNT=X is setin the counter PCN. The process then returns to step 714, and theanalysis of the contents of the file is continued while confirming theend of the file. If the result of the determination in step 715 isaffirmative, the process proceeds to step 718, where it is determined ifthe value of the counter PCN is 0. If the result of the determination instep 718 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 720. If the resultof the determination in step 718 is negative, the process proceeds tostep 719, where about PCN prints of image data corresponding to the filename recorded in the file-name temorarily storing folder PFN are output.The process then proceeds to step 720. In step 720, the file namerecorded immediately after TAG″<IMG″ is read and is set in the file-nametemporarily storing folder PFN.

In step 721, a value 1 is set in the counter PCN. The process thenreturns to step 714, and the analysis of the contents of the file iscontinued while confirming the end of the file.

In the ninth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, and the datareproducing unit 13 uses an ink-jet printer as the image reproducingdevice. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit 14 performsprocessing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image data stored as JPEGdata, color processing, resolution conversion processing, halftoningprocessing, and the like.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the ninthembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the ninth embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the ninth embodiment,by executing the image filing method and the image reproducing method ofthe present invention, desired image data recorded in the informationrecording medium can be automatically reproduced and output withoutassigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Furthermore, since means for confirming the total output number ofimages to be reproduced and the number of prints currently outputtablefrom the system (apparatus), means for determining if the number ofoutputtable prints is larger than the total number of output prints, andmeans for displaying warning in accordance with the result of thedetermination are provided, the user can easily confirm whether or notan image can be output before automatically performing imagereproduction, and it is therefore possible to prevent an output error.

Although in the ninth embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data, imagedata is not limited to JPEG data. For example, data conforming to TIFF,PICT or the like may also be used. RAW data may also be used. In thiscase, however, it is necessary to record information relating to imagereproduction in the information recording medium together with imagedata. When using data having a format other than the JPEG format, it isonly necessary to change processing performed by the image reproductionprocessing unit 14 shown in the ninth embodiment depending on each imagedata. The present invention is not limited to a specific type of imagedata being used.

Although in the ninth embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used as theimage reproducing device, the present invention is not limited to such aprinter. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Alternatively, a soft-copydisplay device, such as a CRT, an LCD, a plasma display or the like, maybe used. When using such a device, also, it is only necessary to changeprocessing in the image reproduction processing unit 14 and thesystem-state detection unit 20 and monitoring means so as to performprocessing corresponding to a printer or a soft copy display devicebeing used. Accordingly, the present invention may use any appropriateimage reproducing device. For example, in the case of a sublimation-typethermal printer, a sublimation dye is provided in the form of a sheet.Since an area necessary for providing a print and the total area ofsheets set in advance in the apparatus are known, it is possible to knowthe number of prints available from now on by storing the number ofprints obtained up to the present.

As described above, an object of the present invention is to easilyconfirm an image to be reproduced in an apparatus for automaticallyreproducing an image represented by image data recorded in aninformation recording medium. For that purpose, an image-reproductioninstruction data file for specifying image data to be subjected to imagereproduction, and means for grasping the contents of the file beforeperforming image reproduction are provided. It is thereby possible toeasily confirm an image to be reproduced, display a summary of images tobe displayed on data display means, add a mark indicating an image to bereproduced to an image displayed on the data display means, compare thenumber of outputtable prints with the total number of output prints,perform warning display when the number of outputtable prints isinsufficient, and thereby prevent an output error.

Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the procedures, theapparatuses and the configurations shown in the foregoing embodiments,but can be executed in various other procedures, algorithms, apparatusesand configurations within the scope of the gist of the presentinvention.

Next, a description will be provided of further improvements in thepresent invention.

Tenth embodiment

A method for editing data recorded in an information recording mediumaccording to a tenth embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed in detail with reference to the drawings.

The tenth embodiment has a feature in that an output error when imagedata corresponding to image-reproduction instruction data is absent inthe information recording medium. Means for accessing image data to bereproduced is provided. When image-reproduction instruction data isadded to image data to be erased, the image-reproduction instructiondata is also erased. When there is no image in the data, a reproductionoutput operation is skipped.

FIG. 25 illustrates a system for executing a method for editing data inan information recording medium in the tenth embodiment. This systemprovides an instruction whether or not image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11 is to be deleted, or whether or notimage data is to be reproduced, and edits data in the informationrecording medium 11, by accessing image data and image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the information recording medium 11.

In the tenth embodiment, a CF is used as the information recordingmedium 11. The information recording medium 11 is not limited to the CF.For example, a floppy disk or the like may also be used.

The information-recording-medium-data editing system 10 includes aninformation-recording-medium accessing unit 120 for accessing recordeddata, comprising image-reproduction instruction data and image data,recorded in the information recording medium 11, and outputting therecorded data to a bus 16 or recording a result of processing in thesystem in the information recording medium 11, a system control unit 15for controlling the operations of the entire system by controllingrespective units of the information-recording-medium-data editing system10, a user interface unit 190, having aninformation-recording-medium-data display unit for reading data recordedin the information recording medium 11 under the control of the systemcontrol unit 15 or according to the user's instruction provided at theuser interface unit 190, and displaying image data andimage-reproduction instruction data obtained via the bus 16, forobtaining image-exchange instruction information, image-data-erasureinstruction information and image-reproduction instruction informationprovided by the user.

The format of the image file shown in FIGS. 17(a)-17(c) is used as theformat of the image file of the tenth embodiment. The contents ofrecording of ‘AUTOPRINT.MRK’ shown in FIG. 18 are also used in the tenthembodiment. In the tenth embodiment, such a file is generated by imageinput means, such as a digital camera or the like, a personal computer,the information-recording-medium-data editing system of the tenthembodiment, or the like.

FIG. 26 illustrates a display picture surface of the user interface unit190 of the tenth embodiment. In FIG. 26, reference numeral 41 representsa unit for displaying data of the information recording medium, on whichimage data and image-reproduction instruction data recorded in theinformation recording medium 11 are displayed. A mark “P” shown at alower right portion of the displayed image indicates that this image isto be reproduced. A button 42 is used for exchanging the image. Bydepressing the button 42, image data recorded immediately before thecurrently displayed image is displayed in the region 41 in accordancewith the sequence of images recorded in the information recording medium11. A button 43 is also used for exchanging the image. By depressing thebutton 43, image data recorded immediately after the currently displayedimage is displayed in the region 41 in accordance with the sequence ofimages recorded in the information recording medium 11. A button 44 isused for erasing an image recorded in the information recording medium.By depressing the button 44, image data corresponding to the currentlydisplayed image is erased from the information recording medium 11. Abutton 45 is used for indicating that the displayed image is to bereproduced (printed). By depressing the button 45, the file name of thecurrently displayed image data recorded in the information recordingmedium 11 is read (in the tenth embodiment, this file name is stored inthe system control unit 15 as temporarily held data), and is written inan AUTOPRINT.MRK file of the information recording medium 11. When thebutton 45 is again depressed for image data for which animage-reproduction instruction has already been provided, that operationis neglected. A button 46 is used for instructing that imagereproduction (printing) of the displayed image is to be cancelled. Bydepressing the button 46, the file name of the currently displayed imagedata recorded in the information recording medium is read (in the tenthembodiment, the file name of the currently displayed image data is heldby the system control unit 15 as temprarily held data), and the filename written in the AUTOPRINT.MRK file of the information recordingmedium 11 is erased. The button 46 is effective only for image data forwhich an image-reproduction instruction has already been provided. Theoperation of the button 46 is neglected for other images.

Next, a description will be provided of the operation of theinformation-recording-medium-data editing system 10 of the tenthembodiment which is a characteristic operation of the present invention.In the tenth embodiment, when an instruction to erase image data isprovided from the user interface unit 190, whether or not imagereproduction is instructed for the image data is retrieved. If imagereproduction is instructed, the image-reproduction instruction isreleased. That is, whether or not the file name is described in theAUTOPRINT.MRK file is retrieved. If the file name is described, the filename is erased from the AUTOPRINT.MRK file.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the above-described operation of theinformation-recording-medium-data editing system 10 of the tenthembodiment.

The program represented by this operational flow is set in a RAM, a harddisk or the like of the system control unit 15 of theinformation-recording-medium-data editing system 10.

When the information-recording-medium-data editing system 10 hasstarted, for example, by turning on the power supply, the operationalflow is read and executed.

First, in step 501, it is determined if the erase button has beendepressed. This operation actually starts by depressing the erasebutton. If the result of the determination in step 501 is affirmative,the process proceeds to step 502, where the file name of the currentlydisplayed image data is read, and the contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK fileare analyzed. Then, in step 503, it is determined if the read file nameof the displayed image data is present in the AUTOPRINT.MRK file. If theresult of the determination in step 503 is affirmative, that file nameis deleted from the AUTOPRINT.MRK file, and the file of the displayedimage is erased from the information recording medium 11. If the resultof the determination in step 503 is negative, the file of the displayedimage is erased from the information recording medium 11, because thisimage is not an image to be displayed and no problem arises during imagereproduction output even if the image data is erased.

Although in the tenth embodiment, image data recorded in an informationrecording medium is individually displayed, and it is determined whetheror not the image is to be erased, the present invention is not limitedto such an approach.

The gist of the present invention is as follows. That is, image data anddata instructing whether or not the image data is to be subjected toreproduction output are recorded in an information recording medium.When editing data of the information recording medium, and erasing imagedata, it is checked whether or not reproduction of the image data isinstructed. If reproduction of the image data is instructed, thereproduction instruction data is released. Accordingly, various meansmay be considered without departing from the gist of the invention. Forexample, the present invention can also be executed when a summary ofimage data is displayed, and an erasing operation is performed byselecting an image using a mouse or the like, or when a file of aninformation recording medium is directly edited using a file editor orthe like.

As described above, according to the present invention, means forerasing image-reproduction instruction data relating to image data basedon an instruction to erase the image data is provided, and theimage-reproduction instruction data for the image data is also erasedwhen erasing the image data. Accordingly, the problem that image data tobe reproduced is absent in an image reproducing operation and the imagereproducing operation ends with an error is prevented.

Eleventh embodiment

An eleventh embodiment of the present invention will now be described.An object of the present invention is to prevent the problem that, whencontradiction arises in image data and image-reproduction instructiondata recorded in an information recording medium, an image reproducingoperation ends with an error. For that purpose, in the above-describedtenth embodiment, means for checking image-reproduction instruction datawhen erasing image data recorded in an information recording medium, andreleasing the image-reproduction instruction data when animage-reproduction instruction is provided for the image data to beerased is provided.

In the eleventh embodiment, means for executing an image reproducingoperation by neglecting image-reproduction instruction data when imagedata is absent in an information recording medium although theimage-reproduction instruction data is provided is provided.Accordingly, even if contradiction arises in image data andimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in an information recordingmedium, for example, even if an actual image is absent although animage-reproduction instruction data is provided, an image reproducingoperation is always executed without producing an error.

FIG. 28 illustrates an image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 whichexecutes an image reproduction method according to the eleventhembodiment. This image reproduction apparatus (system) 10 automaticallyselects desired image data from among image data recorded in aninformation recording medium 11, and performs reproduction output(printing) of an image represented by the selected image data. In theeleventh embodiment, a CF is used as the information recording medium11. The information recording medium 11 is not limited to the CF. Forexample, a floppy disk, a DVD or the like may also be used.

The image reproduction system (apparatus) 10 includes a data readingunit 12 for reading recorded data, comprising image-reproductioninstruction data and image data, recorded in the information recordingmedium 11, and outputting the recorded data to a bus 16, a systemcontrol unit 15 for controlling the operations of the entire system bycontrolling respective units of the image reproduction system 10, animage reproduction processing unit 14 for receiving image data read bythe data reading unit 12 under the control of the system control unit 15and output to the bus 16, and converting the image data intoreproduction output data for performing reproduction output andoutputting the reproduction output data, an image reproducing unit 13for receiving the reproduction output data to perform reproductionoutput (printing), a data processing unit 170 for analyzing the contentsof image-reproduction instruction data by selectively accessing thatdata, and a system display unit 180 for displaying the operational stateof the system in accordance with the results of the data processing unit170 and the system control unit 15.

The format of the image file of the information recording medium in theeleventh embodiment is the same as in the format of the file describedin the tenth embodiment. Hence, further description thereof will beomitted. As described above, by checking the contents of recording ofAUTOPRINT.MRK, the file of image data to be subjected to imagereproduction can be obtained. Furthermore, by checking the rootdirectory, the name of the file recorded in the information recordingmedium can be obtained. The contents of the information recording mediumare edited using input means of a personal computer, a digital camera orthe like.

Next, a description will be provided of the operation of the imagereproduction system (apparatus) 10 of the eleventh embodiment, which isa feature of the present invention.

FIG. 29 illustrates the operational flow of the image reproductionsystem 10 of the eleventh embodiment. The program represented by theoperational flow is set in a RAM, a hard disk or the like of the systemcontrol unit 15 of the image reproduction system 10.

When the image reproduction system 10 has started, for example, byturning on the power supply, the operational flow is read and executed.

First, in step 701, it is determined if the information recording medium11 is set in the data reading unit 12. If the result of thedetermination in step 701 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step702, where the data reading unit 12 reads an AUTOPRINT.MRK file fromamong files recorded in the information recording medium 11. Thecontents of the read file are sequentially transferred to the dataprocessing unit 65 to be analyzed. In step 703, the end of the file isconfirmed. When the end of the file is not confirmed, the contents ofthe file are continued to be analyzed, and in step 704, it is determinedif TAG″<IMG″ is present. If the result of the determination in step 704is negative, the process returns to step 703, where the analysis of thecontents of the file is continued while confirming the end of the file.If the result of the determination in step 704 is affirmative, theprocess proceeds to step 705, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction “XXX.JGP” is read from the contents ofthe file SRC=“XXX.JPG”>recorded after the TAG″<IMG″.

In step 706, it is determined if a file corresponding to the read nameof the image file to be subjected to image reproduction is present inthe information recording medium 11. If the result of the determinationin step 706 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step 707, whereimage data to be reproduced stored in the information recording medium11 is read. Then, in step 708, the image reproduction processing unit 14executes image reproduction output processing for image reproductionoutput (printing) to generate image reproduction output data, which issubjected to reproduction output (printing) by the image reproducingunit 13. If the result of the determination in step 706 is negative, theprocess proceeds to step 709, where the name of the image file to besubjected to image reproduction is temporarily stored in a storageregion. At that time, the image reproduction output operation isskipped, and the operation of the system returns to step 703.

In the eleventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data for display,and the data reproducing unit 180 uses an ink-jet printer as the imagereproducing device. Accordingly, the image reproduction processing unit140 performs processing of obtaining RGB data by defrosting image datastored as JPEG data, color processing, resolution conversion processing,halftoning processing, and the like.

When image reproduction output (printing) has been performed, theprocess returns to step 703, where the system continues the analysis ofthe contents of the AUTOPRINT.MRK file while confirming the end of thefile.

Until the end of the file is confirmed, the analysis of the contents ofthe AUTOPRINT.MRK file is performed by executing the processes of steps704, 705, 706, 707, 708 and 709.

When the end of the file has been confirmed in step 703, the processproceeds to step 71, where the system displays the file name temporarilystored in the storage region on the system display unit 15 as an unknownfile, and terminates the operation.

As described above, in the image reproduction system of the eleventhembodiment, desired image data is automatically selected from theinformation recording medium where the data is recorded according to theimage filing method of the eleventh embodiment, and image reproductionoutput is performed. Accordingly, as described in the eleventhembodiment, by executing the image filing method and the imagereproducing method of the present invention, desired image data recordedin the information recording medium can be automatically reproduced andoutput without assigning the desired image using a memo or the like.

Furthermore, it is possible to execute an image reproducing operation byneglecting image-reproduction instruction data when image data is absentin an information recording medium although the image-reproductioninstruction data is provided. Hence, even if contradiction arises inimage data and image-reproduction instruction data recorded in aninformation recording medium, for example, even if an actual image isabsent although an image-reproduction instruction is provided, an imagereproducing operation is always executed without producing an error.

Although in the eleventh embodiment, JPEG data is used as image data andimage data for display, image data is not limited to JPEG data. Forexample, data conforming to TIFF, PICT or the like may also be used. RAWdata may also be used. In this case, however, it is necessary to recordinformation relating to image reproduction in the information recordingmedium together with image data. When using data having a format otherthan the JPEG format, it is only necessary to change processingperformed by the image reproduction processing unit 14 and the dataprocessing unit 170 shown in the eleventh embodiment depending on eachimage data. The present invention is not limited to a specific type ofimage data being used.

Although in the eleventh embodiment, an ink-jet printer is used as theimage reproducing device, the present invention is not limited to such aprinter. For example, a sublimation-type thermal printer or asilver-halide-film printer may be used. Although a CRT is used as thedata display device, the present invention is not limited to such adevice. For example, an LCD, a plasma display, an LED display, or anyother printer may be used. When using such a device, also, it is onlynecessary to change processing in the image reproduction processing unit14 and the data processing unit 170 shown in the eleventh embodiment soas to perform processing corresponding to a printer or a soft copydisplay device being used. Accordingly, the present invention may useany appropriate image reproducing device and data display device.

In the image reproduction system of the present invention, by analizingrecorded data at a corresponding position based on the position and thesize of image-reproduction instruction data in a file, and determininghow the contents of the data correspond to predetermined contents ofrecording, it is determined whether or not image data recorded in thefile is to be reproduced. Accordingly, it is only necessary that imagedata and image-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether ornot the image data is to be reproduced are recorded in the file. Thereis no limitation in the position, the size, the contents, the order andthe like of recording.

An object of the present invention is to provide a configuration inwhich, even when corresponding image data is absent in an informationrecording medium although image-reproduction instruction data isprovided, an image reproducing operation can be executed by neglectingthe image-reproduction instruction data. Such a configuration is notlimited to the configuration of the eleventh embodiment, but any otherappropriate configuration may be adopted within a range of not departingfrom the object. For example, although in the eleventh embodiment, anunknown file is displayed at the final stage, this step may be omittedin consideration of the object of the present invention.

As described above, by allowing to supply the image reproduction systemwith an image output control program from an information recordingmedium or to execute the program by directly accessing the informationrecording medium, the image reproduction system of the present inventioncan control image output by an image output control programcorresponding to each recording format even for an information recordingmedium in which data are recorded in a plurality of different recordingformats. Hence, it is possible to easily control image output requestedby the invention for all formats.

Furthermore, since an image format and an output control programcorresponding thereto are provided from the same information recordingmedium, the system of the invention can automatically set an operationcorresponding to the image format recorded in the information recordingmedium. Hence, the present invention can be easily executed because itis unnecessary to set an operational program in accordance with aninformation recording medium.

Example of application

When image data recorded in one of the above-described formats istransferred from a digital camera, a personal computer or the like viaone of various kinds of interfaces or via an Internet or the like, thesituation after reception of the data is equal to the case of setting ofa medium, as described in the foregoing embodiments, although some kindof certification is required when an instruction of output is recognizedin the apparatus 10, i.e., when, for example, accounting is performed.Accordingly, after the apparatus has recognized ‘data reception’including certification or the like; control similar to the controlperformed in any one of the above-described embodiments is performeddepending on the situation. FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a systemfor performing such a control. As in the case of FIG. 25, an informationrecording medium 11 includes a general-purpose interface. Althoughdetailed description will be omitted, it is possible to determine datareception by determining whether or not data obtained via a network,IrDA (Infrared Date Association) interface, a 1394 interface (described,for example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 09-030541 (1997), aparallel interface, a serial interface or the like is based on theabove-described format, for example, by checking the presence ofrespective regions shown in FIGS. 1(a)-1(c). If this determination isperformed instead of step 300 shown in FIG. 3, and the process thenproceeds to step 301 and succeeding steps, this application may beapplied to each of the above-described embodiments.

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possibleto provide a method and apparatus for automatically reproducing desiredimage data from among image data recorded in an information recordingmedium using an image filing method in which image data andimage-reproduction instruction data indicating whether or not the imagedata is to be reproduced are recorded in an information recordingmedium, and an image reproducing method including data reading means forreading recorded data, such as image data, image-reproductioninstruction data and the like, recorded in an information recordingmedium, means for selectively reading the image-reproduction instructiondata from among the recorded data, reproduction-output-data generationprocessing means for reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image-reproduction instructiondata and for outputting reproduction output data for reproduction, andreproducing means for reproducing the reproduction output data.

Accordingly, the present invention can be executed in variousprocedures, algorithms, configurations of apparatuses within theabove-described gist of the invention without being limited to theprocesures and the configurations of apparatuses shown in the foregoingembodiments.

The present invention can provide an image filing method and an imagereproduction method in which a print of a desired image can be promptlyobtained by automatically specifying the image from among imagesrecorded in an information recording medium.

The present invention can provide a file format in which image data andimage-reproduction instruction data instructing whether or not the imagedata is to be reproduced can be recorded in an information recordingmedium.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide anapparatus including data reading means for reading recorded data, suchas image data, image-reproduction instruction data and the like,recorded in an information recording medium, means for selectivelyreading the image-reproduction instruction data from among the recordeddata, reproduction-output-data generation processing means for readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data and for outputtingreproduction output data for reproduction, and reproduction means forreproducing the reproduction output data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outputcontrol method in which image data and image-reproduction instructiondata for instructing whether or not the image data is to be reproducedare recorded in an information recording medium, image-reproductioninstruction data is selectively read from among recorded data recordedin the information recording medium, necessary image data is read fromthe information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data, and reproduction-output-datagenerating processing is performed to reproduce desired image data.

According to a further improvement in the present invention, a method,an apparatus and a system in which image data and image-reproductioninstruction data for instructing whether or not the image data is to bereproduced are recorded in an information recording medium,image-reproduction instruction data is selectively read from amongrecorded data recorded in the information recording medium, necessaryimage data is read from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-reproduction instruction data, andreproduction-output-data generating processing is performed to reproducedesired image data can perform reproduction output by automaticallyspecifying a desired image from among images recorded in the informationrecording medium. Hence, it is possible to promptly obtain a print of adesired image without requiring the operator's manual operation.

According to a further improvement in the present invention, it ispossible to prevent an error in an image reproducing operation producedbecause image data to be reproduced is absent, for example, when imagedata recorded in an information recording medium for whichimage-reproduction instruction data has been provided in order toperform image reproduction is deleted and processing of non-selection isnot performed for the image-reproduction instruction data. Hence, whenperforming automatic image reproduction, automatic image reproductioncan be efficiently executed by preventing abnormal end of an imagereproducing operation.

According the present invention, it is possible to provide a memorymedium for storing image data and image-reproduction instruction datafor instructing whether or not the image data is to be reproduced sothat the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image forwhich image reproduction is instructed, and that the specified imagedata can be selectively output based on the image reproductioninstruction data.

The memory medium can also store a program for controlling reproductionof the image data based on the image-reproduction instruction data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data is stored for each image data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data is provided for the name of eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data comprisesinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced storedinstruction specific file.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control method including a function of recognizing mounting of arecording medium, a reading function of reading image-reproductioninstruction data recorded in the recording medium based on therecognition of the mounting, and a generation function of performingimage generation for output by selectively reading necessary image datafrom the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including recognition means for recognizingmounting of a recording medium, reading means for readingimage-reproduction instruction data recorded in the recording mediumbased on the recognition of the mounting, and generation means forperforming image generation for output by selectively reading necessaryimage data from the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outputcontrol method including a determination function of determiningmounting of a medium, a discrimination function of discriminatingwhether or not an image output program is stored in the medium when thedetermination function has determined that the medium is mounted, and acontrol function of controlling output so as to selectively output animage to be output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination function has discriminated that the image output programis stored.

The control function may have a function of determining whether or notimage-reproduction instruction data is stored in the medium. When it hasbeen determined that image-reproduction instruction data is stored, thecontrol function controls output so as to selectively output image datainstructed by the image-reproduction instruction data. The controlfunction may also include a function of reading the image output programwhen the discrimination function has discriminated that the image outputprogram is stored.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outputcontrol apparatus including determination means for determining mountingof a medium, discrimination means for discriminating whether or not animage output program is stored in the medium when the determinationmeans has determined that the medium is mounted, and control means forcontrolling output so as to selectively output an image to be output inaccordance with the image output program when the discrimination meanshas discriminated that the image output program is stored. The controlmeans may have a function of determining whether or notimage-reproduction instruction data is stored in the medium. If theresult of the determination is affirmative, the control means controlsoutput so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The apparatus may further includecontrol means for controlling, output of the image to be output inaccordance with an output program incorporated within the apparatus whenthe discrimination means has dicriminated that the image output programis not stored in the medium. The control means may include a function ofdetermining whether or not the image-reproduction instruction data isstored in the medium. When the result of the determination isaffirmative, the control means controls output so as to selectivelyoutput image data instructed by the image-reproduction instruction databased on the output program incorporated within the apparatus.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outputcontrol method including a determination function of determining whetheror not a medium storing an image output program is set, and a controlfunction of controlling output so as to output an image to beselectively output in accordance with the image output program if theresult of the determination is affirmative.

The determination function may also have a function of determiningwhether or not a medium storing image data is set. The determinationfunction may determine whether or not the medium storing the imageoutput program and a medium storing image data are set. Thedetermination function may have a function of determining whether or notimage data and image-reproduction instruction data are stored. When ithas been determined that these data are stored, the control functioncontrols output so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The control function may include afunction of reading the image output program when the determinationfunction has determined that the image output program is stored. Thedetermination function may determine setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an outputcontrol apparatus including determination means for determining whetheror not a medium storing an image output program is set, and controlmeans for controlling output so as to selectively output an image to beoutput in accordance with the image output program if the result of thedetermination is affirmative.

The determination function may also have a function of determiningwhether or not a medium storing image data is set. The determinationfunction may determine whether or not the medium storing the imageoutput program and a medium storing image data are set. Thedetermination function may have a function of determining whether or notimage data and image-reproduction instruction data are stored. When ithas been determined that these data are stored, the control meanscontrols output so as to selectively output image data instructed by theimage-reproduction instruction data. The control means may include afunction of reading the image output program when the determinationmeans has determined that the image output program is stored. Thedetermination means may determine setting of a medium, setting of themedium storing the image output program, and setting of a medium storingimage data.

In the image output control method, a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored in the medium. The image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored for each image data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data may be provided for the name of eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may compriseinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced stored in aspecific file.

In the image output control apparatus, a program for controllingreproduction of the image data based on the image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored in the medium. The image-reproductioninstruction data may be stored for each image data. Theimage-reproduction instruction data may be provided for the name of eachimage data. The image-reproduction instruction data may compriseinformation for instructing image data to be reproduced stored in aspecific file.

The output may be executed by one of hard copy output apparatuses, suchas an ink-jet printer, a sublimation-type thermal printer, asilver-halide-film printer, and the like.

The output may be executed by a soft-copy output apparatus, such as acathode-ray tube, a liquid-crystal display, a plasma display or thelike.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storagemedium including a function of recognizing mounting of a recordingmedium, a reading function of reading image-reproduction instructiondata recorded in the recording medium based on the recognition of themounting, and generation function of performing image generation foroutput by selectively reading necessary image data from the informationrecording medium in accordance with the image reproduction instructiondata.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storagemedium including a determination function of determining mounting of amedium, a discrimination function of discriminating whether or not animage output program is stored in the medium when the determinationfunction has determined that the medium is mounted, and a controlfunction of controlling output so as to selectively output an image tobe output in accordance with the image output program when thediscrimination function has discriminated that the image output programis stored.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a storagemedium including a determination function of determining whether or nota medium storing an image output program is set, and a control functionof controlling output so as to selectively output an image to be outputin accordance with the image output program if the result of thedetermination is affirmative.

According the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including recognition means for recognizingmounting of a recording medium which stores image data andimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not theimage data is to be reproduced so that the the image-reproductioninstruction data specifies an image for which image reproduction isinstructed, and that the specified image data can be selectively outputbased on the image-reproduction instruction data, reading means forreading the image-reproduction instruction data recorded in therecording medium based on the recognition of the mounting of therecording medium by the recognition means, and generation means forperforming image generation for output by selectively reading necessaryimage data from the information recording medium in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

A program for controlling reproduction of the image data based on theimage-reproduction instruction data may be stored in the recordingmedium. The image-reproduction instruction data may be stored for eachimage data. The image reproduction instruction data may be provided forthe name of each image data. The image-reproduction instruction data maycomprise information for instructing image data to be reproduced storedin a specific file.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including recognition means for recognizingreception of image data and image-reproduction instruction data in aformat so that the image data can be selectively output in an outputdevice based on the image-reproduction instruction data, reading controlmeans for reading the image-reproduction instruction data based on therecognition of reception of the image data and the image-reproductioninstruction data by the recognition means, and generation control meansfor selectively performing image generation for output for necessaryimage data from among the image data in accordance with theimage-reproduction instruction data.

The image-reproduction instruction data may be stored for each imagedata. The image-reproduction instruction data may be provided for thename of each image data. The image-reproduction instruction data maycomprise information for instructing image data to be reproduced storedin a specific file. The recognition means may recognize reception of theimage-reproduction instruction data and the image data.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including data reading means for readingrecorded data including image data and image-output instruction datarecorded in an information recording medium, output-data generationprocessing means for outputting output data for output by readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-output instruction data, output means for outputting theoutput data, data display means for displaying image-output instructiondata and image data, and data processing means for analyzing theimage-output instruction data.

The data display means may display a summary of data for specifying animage to be output. The data display means may display data forspecifying image data recorded in the information recording media, andinformation indicating whether or not an instruction for outputting thedisplayed image data is present.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including data reading means for readingrecorded data including image data and image-output instruction datarecorded in an information recording medium, output-data generationprocessing means for outputting output data for output by readingnecessary image data from the information recording medium in accordancewith the image-output instruction data, output means for outputting theoutput data, data display means for displaying data relating to imageoutput, data processing means for analyzing the image-output instructiondata, and means for recognizing a number of prints currently outputtableby the apparatus.

The data display means may compare the total number of output printsobtained by the data processing means with the number of currentlyoutputtable prints obtained by the means for recognizing the number ofcurrently outputtable prints, and performs alarm display when the numberof prints to be output is larger than the number of outputtable prints.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including means for accessing an informationrecording medium, data reading means for reading recorded data includingimage data and image-output instruction data recorded in the informationrecording medium, and determination means for determining whether or notdata to instruct erasure of image data in the recorded data is present.If the determination means has determined that the erasure instructiondata is present, image-output instruction data corresponding to thatimage data is erased based on the erasure instruction data.

The apparatus may further include data editing means for editing data ofthe information recording medium.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageoutput control apparatus including reading means for readingimage-reproduction instruction data for instructing whether or not imagedata is to be reproduced recorded in an information recording mediumstoring the image data and the image-reproduction instruction data sothat the image-reproduction instruction data specifies an image forwhich image reproduction is instructed, and that the specified imagedata can be selectively output based on the image-reproductioninstruction data, generation means for performing image reproduction foroutput by reading necessary image data from the information recordingmedium in accordance with the read image-reproduction instruction data,and skip means for skipping an operation of outputting an imagecorresponding to image data for which the image-reproduction instructiondata is provided when that image data is absent in the informationrecording medium.

The apparatus may further include result-of-operation display means fordisplaying a result of an operation of the apparatus. When an outputoperation has been skipped, that fact is displayed using theresult-of-operation display means.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imageinput control apparatus including input control means for inputtingimage data, and recording control means for recording image datacorresponding to image-reproduction instruction data for instructingwhether or not image data is to be reproduced, based on a formatprovided so that image-reproduction instruction data specifies imagedata for which image reproduction is instructed.

The image-reproduction instruction data and the image data may berecorded in an information recording medium.

The individual components shown in outline or designated by blocks inthe drawings are all well-known in the image output control apparatusarts and their specific construction and operation are not critical tothe operation or the best mode for carrying out the invention.

While the present invention has been described with respect to what arepresently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. To the contrary, the present invention is intended to covervarious modifications and equivalent arrangements included within thespirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the followingclaims is

to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all suchmodifications and equivalent structures and functions.

1. A recording control apparatus for controlling recording of images ina recording medium, the apparatus including a recording medium accessingunit that can access the recording medium, the recording medium storinga plurality of reproducible images and a reproduction instruction filecontaining instruction information including a plurality of file namesspecifying images to be reproduced, the reproduction instruction filebeing separate from the plurality of images, the apparatus comprising:an indication section for indicating deletion of an image in accordancewith a manual operation whether the indicated image is instructed to bereproduced by said reproduction instruction file or not; and a controlsection for deleting of the instruction information in the reproductioninstruction file corresponding to the image indicated by said indicationsection to be deleted if the instruction information corresponding tothe image is stored in the reproduction instruction file, and forretaining the instruction information corresponding to images that havenot been indicated for deletion, wherein said recording medium accessingunit accesses the recording medium in accordance with a manualoperation, the recording medium being accessed so as to specify an imageto be reproduced.
 2. The recording control apparatus of claim 1, whereinsaid recording medium is a detachable memory.
 3. The recording controlapparatus of claim 1, wherein the reproduction instruction file isrecorded in the same recording medium as the plurality of reproducibleimages.
 4. The recording control apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a sensing unit and an image display unit to display theparticular reproducible image to be deleted.
 5. A method of controllingrecording of images in a recording medium, the method comprising:providing a recording medium accessing unit that can access therecording medium, the recording medium storing a plurality ofreproducible images and a reproduction instruction file containinginstruction information including a plurality of file names specifyingimages to be reproduced, the reproduction instruction file beingseparate from the plurality of images; an indication step of indicatingdeletion of an image in accordance with a manual operation whether theindicated image is instructed to be reproduced by said reproductioninstruction file or not; and a control step of deleting the instructioninformation in the reproduction instruction file corresponding to theimage indicated in said indication step to be deleted if instructioninformation corresponding to the image is stored in the reproductioninstruction file, and of retaining the instruction informationcorresponding to the images that have not been indicated for deletion,wherein the recording medium accessing unit accesses the recordingmedium in accordance with a manual operation, the recording medium beingaccessed so as to specify an image to be reproduced.
 6. Acomputer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing amethod of controlling recording of images in a recording medium, whereinthe method comprises: providing a recording medium accessing unit thatcan access the recording medium, the recording medium storing aplurality of reproducible images and a reproduction instruction filecontaining instruction information including a plurality of file namesspecifying images to be reproduced, the reproduction instruction filebeing separate from the plurality of images; an indication step ofindicating deletion of an image in accordance with a manual operationwhether the indicated image is instructed to be reproduced by saidreproduction instruction file or not; and a control step of deleting theinstruction information in the reproduction instruction filecorresponding to the image indicated in said indication step to bedeleted if instruction information corresponding to the image is storedin the reproduction instruction file, and of retaining the instructioninformation corresponding to images that have not been indicated fordeletion, wherein the recording medium accessing unit accesses therecording medium in accordance with a manual operation, the recordingmedium being accessed so as to specify an image to be reproduced.